Senegal succession could see El Hadji Diouf sidelined as Patrick Vieira targets overhaul

Potential Senegal manager Patrick Vieira is planning sweeping changes to the national team, including a new backroom staff and a possible change of captain, according to journalist Khadim Diakhate.

The former France international is being considered as a replacement for Pape Thiaw, who departed after a dispute with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) over unpaid wages.

If appointed, Vieira would seek to bring a fresh approach to the Senegal squad, with the first significant changes expected to affect the team’s structure away from the pitch.

According to Diakhate, the 1998 World Cup winner wants to work with his own team, including a press officer, doctor and physiotherapist. He would also aim to restrict access to the players’ immediate environment to members of the coaching staff and authorised officials.

That could mean a reduced role for several former Senegal stars who have remained around the national-team set-up. El Hadji Diouf, Khalilou Fadiga and Cheikhou Kouyate are among those who could be affected by the proposed restrictions.

Vieira is reportedly in favour of Malick Daf, currently in charge of Senegal’s Under-20 side, joining him as an assistant. Daf is understood to be one of the figures who could remain part of the wider national-team structure under a new manager.

The changes could extend into the dressing room, with Vieira not necessarily relying on the senior figures who currently lead the squad.

He is also considering appointing a new captain, which would place Kalidou Koulibaly’s position under immediate scrutiny. The defender is already said to have emerged weakened from Senegal’s disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign.

Vieira’s potential appointment is not, however, believed to have unanimous support within the committee. Diakhate reports that an emergency meeting held on Monday included tense exchanges between some members over the former midfielder.

The Senegalese federation is therefore facing a potentially significant decision as it considers Thiaw’s successor. Vieira’s arrival would represent more than a change in head coach, with the former Arsenal, Juventus, Inter Milan and Manchester City midfielder apparently seeking to reshape the staff, the team’s internal organisation and its leadership group.

The proposed overhaul would also affect the relationship between the senior squad and some of Senegal’s most recognisable former players. El Hadji Diouf and Khalilou Fadiga were prominent figures in Senegal’s football history, while Kouyate has been part of the country’s modern national-team generation.

Vieira, who won the World Cup with France in 1998, is currently only a potential candidate for the Senegal job. No appointment has been confirmed, and the reported disagreement within the committee could yet influence the federation’s final decision.